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New TAFE scholarship for women to take up Defence careers

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Last month 16 women commenced six months of electronics and engineering training at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Munster campus as part of the Women in Defence Industry Scholarship program.

The inaugural scholarships were awarded to encourage women to take up a career in the defence industry and fund six months of electronics and technical engineering training at South Metropolitan TAFE.

Scholarship recipient Kate Wilson, from Lathlain, was previously a bookkeeper and said she was looking for a career change and had always wanted to work in a trade.

Kate says she sees her future in a hands-on role or pursuing further study to gain more knowledge.

“I had been working in bookkeeping for around 9 years when I realised I had more to give with my hands and mind,” says Kate.

“As a single mother, this scholarship is a great opportunity to be a role model for my daughter to show her that you can change careers and strive for something bigger and better,” says Kate.

“This scholarship has given me the confidence to take the leap and study something that I am really interested in.” 

“I have surprised myself at some of the techniques I have almost mastered in soldering components as small as a grain of sand,”

“I am loving the mental challenge this course is giving me and I am so excited for the future and all that is opening up for me with this study path. says Kate.

About the program

South Metropolitan TAFE, Managing Director Terry Durant said the scholarship program was delivered by South Metropolitan TAFE, in partnership with defence employers to give participants a taste of the industry. 

“This scholarship provides women with an introduction to an exciting and rewarding long-term career in the defence industry,” she said.

"We have a long-established relationship with the defence industry and expertise in defence-related training so these women will be trained to industry-standard.

“The defence industry gives Western Australians from all walks of life the chance to build a long-term stable career by working for local defence industry businesses.”

There are 20 scholarships available each year for the next four years to provide valuable skills for women who have just finished school, are returning to work, or seeking a career change.

The program offers two qualifications over six months, the Certificate II in Electronics, and the Certificate III in Engineering — Technical, which can open a range of job and career opportunities in the defence industry.

These qualifications will provide women with an understanding of technology and automation in the defence industry, foundation mechanical engineering skills and pathways to employment or higher-level engineering qualifications.

Scholarship recipients will also be able to gain access to a mentor, receive career advice, pathways and opportunities for employment, and an invitation to attend relevant industry events held throughout the year.

For further information about this scholarship and other defence initiatives, please contact the Defence Industry Team at the Rockingham local Jobs and Skills Centre on 08 9599 8655 or visit the defence page(opens in a new tab) .